Our Ginger Dress free sewing pattern brings together details from several different eras to create a simply elegant silhouette. The sleek sheath dress paired with extra billowing bishop sleeves creates a look that’s both delicate and opulent. Try your version in any one of Mood’s recommended dress fabrics! Keep your version cute and casual in a vibrant sateen or go full luxury with a stunning jacquard.
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 3 panels White Geometric Lace with Finished Eyelash Edges
- 1.5 yards White Stretch Satin
- 1 yard 1/8″ White Double Faced Velvet Ribbon
- 1 501 White 24″ Invisible Zipper
- MDF188 – The Ginger Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.
Step 1
Since the top layer of this dress is transparent, I decided to sew the lining along with the lace as if they were one fabric. This avoided the seam allowance that would be seen if I sewed the lining separately and then inserted into the lace dress.
Alternatively, you could sew them separately with French or bound seams, but I wanted to avoid unnecessary bulk.
Step 2
To sew your Ginger Dress the way I did, begin by hemming the lining of your front and back dress pieces. I recommend cutting your lining 1-2″ shorter than your dress to show off the scalloped edge of the lace.
Step 3
Next, pin and/or stay-stitch your lace over each of your respective lining pieces. Sew the darts into the bust, following the guides on your pattern.
Step 4
Next, attach the front and backs of your dress at the shoulders and side seams. Here, I recommend using French seams, like you see below.
Step 5
Likewise, create each of your sleeves by sewing up the inseam.
Step 6
Set your sleeves into each armscye, gathering the excess fabric toward the shoulder. Since French seams would be difficult here, I recommend binding your armhole with some extra lining fabric.
Step 7
To finish off your sleeves, thread some ribbon through your lace about 2″ up from the hem. Pull to gather and tie it off with enough room to fit your wrist.
Step 8
Lastly, Add your collar to the neckline before inserting your zipper and sewing down the remainder of your center back seam.
Note: To avoid additional bulk, you can sew your zipper up to the neckline and finish the center back edges of your collar with a small rolled hem before adding a hook & eye or tiny snap at the top of the collar!
How many yards would you require if you weren’t purchasing fabric by the panel? Love this pattern!
Hi Christa! The panels are fairly wide, so I had a lot to work with with only three. If using a regular fabric, I’d recommend at least 4 yards.
So cute. I love it!
Thank you! 🙂
This is just beautiful and I want to thank this web and everyone to share the patters because it’s amazing
Beautiful!
If I use woven fabric do I have to choose a different size?
Hi Taneshia! The lace I used for this one does not stretch, so a woven fabric is fine for this. 🙂
Hi! How would i add extra room in the back on the shoulders and hips, while taking in the waist? Thank you!
Hi Kaiya! This pattern makes it really easy because it has waist darts. 🙂 All you’d have to do is size up and then make the waist darts uniformly bigger on the front and back. If desired, you could also bring the side seams in a tad. I hope this helps! 🙂
Could this be made with knit? Would you keep the same sizing?
Hi Kelly! Our Birch Dress is the knit version of this dress. 🙂
Hello ! Can this dress be made in a more fluid rayon/viscose fabric ?
Yes, it could! 🙂
I just made this dress. I did a few alterations, but I’m happy with the end result.
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0a06WxxkffpW7NJDbW4fQK0Fw
Hi there,
Just wanted to ask, do your patterns include the seam allowance or I need to add that before cutting my fabric?
Hi, Annah! A 1/2″ seam allowance is already included. 🙂
I sewed this dress and it came out fabulous. I had to take the waist in and gather the sleeves instead of using elastic. The dress came out very short however so I wish I added length to it, but it looks great.
hi,if i wanted to make this with my current 32.5″ waist, what size should (finished garment size) i choose so its a few inches loose ?( i cant handle tight clothing) thank you.
Hello, Dolores! Our size chart on this page has body measurements and finished garment measurements which is very handy! Referring to the body measurement size chart, your 32.5″ waist would be a size 14. The finished garment measurement of a size 14 has a waist that measures 39.5! Compare your bust & waist measurements with the chart to ensure the fit you prefer Good luck 🙂
Love this! I’m planning to make the beaded feather version for my 30th! How would I make it floor length using mesh instead of panels?
Hi Jas, we love that idea! This silhouette is simple enough that you should be able to just extend the lines to the length you want. I suggest making a quick muslin before sewing with your self fabric. Take a look at our Adding Feathers to the Ginger Dress post for inspiration. Tag us on social media with #madewithmood so we can see the final result!
What an adorable dress! Thank you for your work. It’s much appreciated!
Do you think I could add a few fisheye darts for shaping at the waist or would you recommend just regular taking it in?
Hello, I would recommend just taking in the side seams as an easier option.
Hello!!! I’m planning on making this for a wedding guest dress for the fall. If I wanted to do a different sleeve, or no sleeve, how much fabric would I need for just the body?
Hello! For a size small, you would need 2 yards for just the body and 2.5 yards for smaller sleeves.